A Timeless Satin Wipe on Finish

A few years back I read a finishing article by Andy Rea about a wipe on finish for case goods and small traffic projects. So I had all materials on hand and decided to give it a try and it’s been one that I use on plenty of my tables and small projects. It has a very soft and satin finish with a very durableprotective coat. I hope you give it a try and enjoy using it as I’ve had over the years. So here we have the formula….

One Part BLO

1/2 Part Wood Grain Filler

1/2 Part Quick Dry Lo Sheen Varnish or Satin Finish

Use a good storage contain because this will keep for quit some time. It will need to be stir because the filler will settle to the bottom after long periods of storage.

Use gloves and wipe finish on across the grain and let dry for 15 to 20 min. and buff with soft cloth. “NOTE these rags are extremely flammable and should be air dry before discarding.”

Apply a 2nd coat and buff out after 15 to 20 minutes. Let dry over night and repeat if so desire.

I know most of you guy will use this time tested finish and will enjoy the warm satin feel of this finish, good luck your friend in woodworking …Wilson aka Blkcherry

12 replies so far

Thanks for this! And thanks for taking the time to post the little cards. I’m glad to see that, like myself, you only use the finest triple filtered imported BLO, lol. I get mine at WalMart and have been made fun of for it:)

-- My dad and I built a 65 chev pick up.I killed trannys in that thing for some reason-Hog

Thanks for the post. I finally know what BLO is. I have been tracking my brain trying to figure out what it meant.Since I an still learning wood finishing, can someone tell me why one would incorporate the filler in the mix instead of prior to the finish coats? Is it to reduce labor or does it change the quality of the finish?

-- I'm not clumsy.. It's just the floor hates me, the tables and chairs are bullies, the wall gets in the way AAANNNDDD table saws BITE my fingers!!!.. - Mike -

Wilson, I am going to have to try this out on something and see how I like it. Without going through all of your projects, are there a few that you’ve posted that really show the results of this finish?

I will also possibly try the rottenstone addition/substitution. It would be interesting to do a side-by-side comparison of these 2-similar finishes.

Another way to think about the components of this finish that may or may not be easier for some to remember would be to simply double everything:2-parts BLO1-part wood grain filler (or rottenstone)1-part fast dry clear varnish

-- Jonathan, Denver, CO "Constructive criticism is welcome and valued as it gives me new perspectives and helps me to advance as a woodworker."